Administering Vaccines: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size

Vaccines Dose Route Site Needle Size

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis Vastus lateralis: for infants (& toddlers lacking adequate
0.5 mL IM 22–25g, 1–2"
(DTaP, DT, Td) deltoid mass); Deltoid: for toddlers, children & adults

Haemophilus influenzae type b Vastus lateralis: for infants (& toddlers lacking adequate
0.5 mL IM 22–25g, 1–2"
(Hib) deltoid mass); Deltoid: for toddlers & children

<18 yrs.: 0.5 mL Vastus lateralis: for infants (& toddlers lacking adequate
Hepatitis A (HepA) IM 22–25g, 1–2"
>19 yrs.: 1.0 mL deltoid mass); Deltoid: for toddlers, children & adults

<19 yrs.: 0.5 mL* Vastus lateralis: for infants (& toddlers lacking adequate
Hepatitis B (HepB) IM 22–25g, 1–2"
>20 yrs.: 1.0 mL deltoid mass); Deltoid: for toddlers, children & adults

Influenza, live attenuated Intranasal Administer 0.25 mL dose into each nostril while
0.5 mL spray NA
(LAIV) patient is in an upright position

Influenza, trivalent 6-35 mos: 0.25 mL Vastus lateralis: for infants (& toddlers lacking adequate
IM 22–25g, 1–2"
inactivated (TIV) >3 yrs.: 0.5 mL deltoid mass); Deltoid: for toddlers, children & adults

Measles, mumps, Anterolateral fat of thigh: for young children

0.5 mL SC 23–25g, 5/8"
rubella (MMR) Posterolateral fat of upper arm: for children & adults

Anterolateral fat of thigh: for young children

Meningococcal (Men) 0.5 mL SC 23–25g, 5/8"
Posterolateral fat of upper arm: for children & adults

Pneumococcal Vastus lateralis: for infants (& toddlers lacking adequate

0.5 mL IM 22–25g, 1–2"
conjugate (PCV) deltoid mass); Deltoid: for toddlers & children

IM Deltoid 22–25g, 1–2"

Pneumococcal
polysaccharide (PPV) 0.5 mL
Anterolateral fat of thigh: for young children
SC 23–25g, 5/8"
Posterolateral fat of upper arm: for children & adults

Vastus lateralis: for infants (& toddlers lacking adequate

IM 22–25g, 1-2"
deltoid mass); Deltoid: for toddlers, children & adults
Polio, inactivated (IPV) 0.5 mL
Anterolateral fat of thigh: for infants & young children
SC 23–25g, 5/8"
Posterolateral fat of upper arm: for children & adults

Anterolateral fat of thigh: for young children

Varicella (Var) 0.5 mL SC 23–25g, 5/8"
Posterolateral fat of upper arm: for children & adults

*Persons 11 through 15 years of age may be given Recombivax HB® (Merck) 1.0 mL (adult formulation) on a 2–dose schedule.

Combination Vaccines

DTaP+HepB+IPV (Pediarix™)
0.5 mL IM Vastus lateralis: for infants (& toddlers lacking adequate 22–25g, 1–2"
DTaP+Hib (Trihibit™) deltoid mass); Deltoid: for toddlers & children
Hib+HepB (Comvax™)

HepA+HepB (Twinrix®) >18 yrs.: 1.0 mL IM Deltoid 22–25g, 1–2"

Please note: Always refer to the package insert included with each biologic for complete vaccine administration information. The Advisory Committee
on Immunization Practices (ACIP) statement for the particular vaccine should be reviewed as well.

www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3085.pdf • Item #P3085 (11/03)

Immunization Action Coalition • 1573 Selby Avenue • St. Paul, MN 55104 • (651) 647-9009 • www.immunize.org